JP5994608B2 - Communication support program and communication apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication support program and a communication apparatus, and more particularly to a communication support program and a communication apparatus that can improve operability for a user.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below describes a mobile phone that can use both Bluetooth (registered trademark) and a wireless LAN for communication with an external device.

JP 2011-146991 A

  In an apparatus that can use a plurality of communication paths as described above, in order to communicate with an external device, an input operation for selecting a communication path and an input operation for specifying a device to be a communication partner in the communication path are performed. Required to be done by the user. For this reason, there has been a problem that these input operations tend to be troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in the process of solving the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a communication support program and a communication apparatus that can simplify an input operation by a user.

  In order to achieve this object, a communication support program according to the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an external device using a first communication path, and a second communication that communicates with an external device using a second communication path. As a function to be executed by the control unit in a communication device including a communication unit, an input unit that receives input from a user, a display unit that displays various types of information, and a control unit, The first communication path and the second communication path are configured by a device setting function for setting a device that communicates with each of the first communication path and the second communication path, and input via the input unit. A selection support function for selecting one of the paths, and the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function. A setting support function that enables setting of the device by the device setting function when the device setting by the device setting function is not performed for the first communication path when the first communication path is selected; When the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device setting function is used for the first communication path. A route setting function for setting the selected communication route as a route used for communication when the setting is made;

In addition, the communication support program of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an external device using a first communication path, a second communication unit that communicates with an external device using a second communication path, and a user As a function to be executed by the control unit in a communication support program executed by the control unit, a communication device including an input unit that accepts an input, a display unit that displays various types of information, and a control unit, As a communication path and the second communication path, a device setting function for setting a device that communicates using each communication path, and a path that uses one of the first communication path and the second communication path as a communication path a route setting function for setting, for each of the first communication path and the second communication path, selection supported with a device selection area and communication selection area By displaying the region on the display unit includes a selection support function to either of the communication path Selectable state, wherein the route setting function, using the first communication path by said device setting function When a device for communication is set, even if the second communication path is set as a path used for communication before the setting of the device, the first communication path is set as a path used for communication It is characterized by.

  The communication apparatus of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path, a second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path, and a user's A device that includes an input unit that receives input, a display unit that displays various types of information, and a control unit, and sets a device that communicates using each communication path for the first communication path and the second communication path. A device setting function, a selection support function for selecting one of the first communication path and the second communication path by input via the input unit, and a state selectable by the selection support function When the first communication path is selected from the first communication path and the second communication, the device is set by the device setting function for the first communication path. The first communication path among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, and a setting support function that enables device setting by the device setting function. A path setting function that sets the selected communication path as a path used for communication when the device is set by the device setting function for the first communication path.

The communication apparatus of the present invention includes a first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path, a second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path, and a user's An input unit that accepts an input, a display unit that displays various types of information, and a control unit. As a function to be executed by the control unit, each communication path for the first communication path and the second communication path A device setting function for setting a device to communicate with, a route setting function for setting any one of the first communication route and the second communication route as a route used for communication, the first communication route, and the For each of the second communication paths, a selection support area including a device selection area and a communication selection area is displayed on the display unit, so that any one of the communication paths can be selected. A selection support and function, to the route setting function, when the device communicating with the first communication path by said device setting function is set, said second communication path in the previous configuration of the device communication The first communication path is set as a path used for communication even if it is set as a path used for communication.

  2. The communication support program according to claim 1, wherein when the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by a selection support function, the device is connected to the first communication path. If the device is not set, the setting support function allows the device setting function to set the device. On the other hand, if the device is set, the route setting function allows the selected communication path to be used for communication. Set. Thereby, the input operation by the user can be simplified.

  The communication support program according to claim 2 provides a device selection area and a communication selection area. Thus, in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to the first aspect, the operation to be performed by the user can be communicated in an easy-to-understand manner when selecting a device and when selecting a communication path. In addition, when the device setting is not performed, even if the communication selection area is selected, the user can simplify the input operation by enabling the device setting.

  The communication support program according to claim 3 pays attention to the fact that when a device is set by the device setting function, a communication path corresponding to the set device is likely to be used as a path actually used for communication. In view of this point, even when the second communication path is set to be used for communication, a device that communicates using the first communication path is set so that the first communication path is actually used for communication. By setting as, in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to claim 1 or 2, there is an effect that the user's input operation can be further simplified.

  The communication support program according to claim 4 enables the communication function when the communication function using the first communication path is disabled when the communication selection area regarding the first communication path is selected. Until the device is not configurable. When the communication function is enabled, the device can be set so that the communication function is enabled and then the user returns to the state before selecting the communication path. The input operation by is simplified. Therefore, according to the communication support program according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the device setting is performed in a state where the communication function is enabled. There is an effect that the input operation by the user can be simplified while imposing the condition to the effect.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication support program for displaying a device candidate for communication by a device display function. Thereby, in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, there is an effect that selection of a device to communicate becomes easy.

  In the communication support program according to claim 6, when a device that communicates using the first communication path is set, the first communication path is likely to be used as a path that is actually used for communication. In view of this point, even if the first communication path is not set as a path used for communication, the user's input operation is simplified by setting the first communication path as a path actually used for communication. There is an effect that can be.

In the communication support program according to the sixth aspect , the device selection area and the communication selection area are displayed on the display unit. Thereby , there is an effect that the operation to be performed by the user can be transmitted in an easy-to-understand manner in each of a case where selection of a device is desired and a case where selection of a communication path is desired.

The communication support program according to claim 7 , wherein a device corresponding to the route can be set by selecting a device selection area corresponding to the route that has not been set, so that the device can be set after selecting the communication route. Compared with the case where it does, a user's input operation can be simplified. Therefore, according to the communication support program according to claim 8, in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 6 , any one communication path is used for communication. The user's input operation can be simplified while the route is always set.

In the communication support program according to claim 8 , the display is made different between the route set as a route used for communication and the route not set, so that any one of claims 2, 4, 6 , and 7 is displayed. In addition to the effects of the described communication support program, there is an effect that the user can easily grasp the set communication path.

The communication support program according to claim 9 is set in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 6 to 8 by providing a device display function in the selection support function. There is an effect that the user can easily grasp the device.

In the communication support program according to claim 10 , a device is set in addition to the effect of the communication support program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 6 to 9 by providing an unset display function. When there is no such effect, it is easy for the user to grasp that fact.

The communication apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein when the first communication path is selected from the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device is connected to the first communication path. If no setting is made, the setting support function enables device setting by the device setting function. If the device is set, the route setting function sets the selected communication route to be used for communication. To do. Thereby, the input operation by the user can be simplified.

In the communication apparatus according to claim 1 wherein, when the device that communicates with the first communication path is set, to note that it is likely to be used as a path by the first communication path is actually used for communication. In view of this point, even if the first communication path is not set as a path used for communication, the user's input operation is simplified by setting the first communication path as a path actually used for communication. There is an effect that can be.
In the communication support program according to claim 12, the device selection area and the communication selection area are displayed on the display unit. Thereby, there is an effect that the operation to be performed by the user can be transmitted in an easy-to-understand manner in each of a case where selection of a device is desired and a case where selection of a communication path is desired.

1 is a system configuration diagram according to a first embodiment. FIG. The top view which shows the display of LCD in printer setting mode. The flowchart which shows the procedure of a WiFi communication assistance process. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of the radio button when a printer is not set. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of the radio button when a printer is not set. The flowchart which shows the procedure of a WiFi setting process. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of a printer selection area. The flowchart which shows the procedure of a Bluetooth communication assistance process. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of the radio button when a printer is not set. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of the radio button when a printer is not set. The flowchart which shows the procedure of a Bluetooth setting process. The figure which shows the process accompanying the touch of a printer selection area. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the WiFi communication assistance process concerning 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a mobile phone 10 as a communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the mobile phone 10, the central processing unit (CPU 14), the memory 16, the WiFi communication unit 18, the Bluetooth communication unit 20, and the user interface 22 can communicate via the input / output port 12. The CPU 14 is a hardware processing unit that executes a program stored in the memory 16, and constitutes a control unit in the present embodiment. The WiFi communication unit 18 is a transceiver for performing communication using WiFi (wireless fidelity: registered trademark) as a communication path. On the other hand, the Bluetooth communication unit 20 is a transceiver that performs communication using Bluetooth as a communication path. Further, the user interface 22 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 22b as a display unit and a touch panel 22a as an input unit that receives input by the user. In the present embodiment, in particular, the touch panel 22a is overlaid on the LCD 22b.

  The communication using WiFi and the communication using Bluetooth are also used for the mobile phone 10 to communicate with an external printer. That is, the mobile phone 10 can communicate with a plurality of external printers (not shown). Each printer is capable of either communication using WiFi or communication using Bluetooth, and communicates with the mobile phone 10 by either.

  Here, when performing selection operation of either communication using WiFi or communication using Bluetooth, and setting the model of a printer that performs communication through the selected communication path, the input operation to the touch panel 22a is simplified. In this embodiment, an application program (communication support program) stored in the memory 16 is designed. The communication support program is preferably stored in a non-volatile memory that is a rewritable memory that stores and holds data regardless of whether or not power is supplied, such as a flash memory. This can be realized by providing the memory 16 with a nonvolatile memory.

  FIG. 2 exemplifies a selection screen for selecting communication with a printer using WiFi and communication with a printer using Bluetooth, among the display screens on the LCD 22b. In this case, “Print Settings” is described in the title display area 34 as illustrated. As illustrated, in the present embodiment, an area corresponding to the case of using WiFi (selection support area 30) and an area corresponding to the case of using Bluetooth (selection support area 32) are displayed in parallel. Each of these selection support areas 30 and 32 includes a printer selection area PA for selecting a printer model and a radio button RA for selecting a communication path.

  The printer selection area PA in the selection support area 30 is an area in which an operation for selecting a printer (hereinafter referred to as a WiFi printer) that communicates with the mobile phone 10 by WiFi. On the other hand, the printer selection area PA in the selection support area 32 is an area in which an operation for selecting a printer (hereinafter referred to as a Bluetooth printer) that communicates with the mobile phone 10 by Bluetooth.

  The radio button RA in the selection support area 30 is an area for setting WiFi as a route used for communication. On the other hand, the radio button RA in the selection support area 32 is an area for setting Bluetooth as a route used for communication. In addition, when the radio button RA is set to be used for communication, the display is made different by making the color different from the case where it is not set to be used for communication. This is a setting for visually displaying which route is set as a route used for communication. Incidentally, FIG. 2 illustrates that WiFi is set as a route used for communication.

  Here, in this embodiment, either WiFi or Bluetooth is always set as a route used for communication. For this reason, either one of the radio buttons RA in the selection support areas 30 and 32 is displayed as being surely set as a route used for communication. By the way, when the communication support program is installed in the mobile phone 10, for example, WiFi is set as a route used for communication.

  It is desirable that the union of the printer selection area PA and the radio button RA shown in FIG. This can be realized, for example, by matching the selection support areas 30 and 32 with the printer selection area PA and embedding the radio button RA therein. However, in this case, the radio button RA may be configured in a rectangular shape so that the user can recognize that the radio button RA has been selected when the user touches the right corner of the selection support areas 30 and 32 in the drawing. desirable. However, it is not essential to make the selection support areas 30 and 32 coincide with the printer selection area PA and embed the radio button RA therein.

  In the printer selection area PA, an area for displaying a printer name set as a communication destination is provided in the lower portion of the figure. However, if the printer is not set, this area displays that it has not been set yet. FIG. 2 assumes a display when neither a WiFi printer nor a Bluetooth printer is set, and an example in which “No Device selected” is displayed as an indication that it has not been set yet is shown. Note that the function for realizing this display constitutes an unset display function in the present embodiment. The function for realizing the entire display in FIG. 2 corresponds to the selection support function in this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a function using the communication support program according to the present embodiment, which can simplify the process of setting the communication with the printer by the input operation to the touch panel 22a, will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a procedure of WiFi communication support processing according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 14 repeatedly executing the communication support program stored in the memory 16 at a predetermined cycle, for example.

  In this series of processing, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the radio button RA is selected by an input operation by the user, such as when the user touches the radio button RA in the selection support area 30 on the WiFi side. to decide. If a positive determination is made in step S10, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether a WiFi printer that communicates with the mobile phone 10 has already been set. If a negative determination is made in step S12, it is determined in step S14 whether or not the communication function using WiFi is valid. Here, the communication setting is valid, for example, that the power of the WiFi communication unit 18 is not turned off or that the WiFi communication unit 18 is recognized by the OS as a communication means to be used. If a negative determination is made in step S14, a WiFi setting screen is displayed on the LCD 22b in step S16. This situation is, for example, the situation illustrated in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (d). That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, when WiFi is disabled when the WiFi side radio button RA is selected, the WiFi setting screen shown in FIG. 4D is displayed and communication using WiFi is performed. You are prompted to enable the function. On the other hand, the user can validate the function of communication using WiFi by operating the touch panel 22a according to the guidance on the WiFi setting screen (FIG. 4E). Incidentally, FIG. 4E shows an example in which an execution button area on which an input operation for performing communication using WiFi is performed is displayed on the LCD 22b.

  When the WiFi setting screen is displayed, as shown in FIG. 3, the user performs an operation for performing communication using WiFi, and waits until the communication function using WiFi is enabled (step S18). If the communication function using WiFi is enabled by the user's operation and an affirmative determination is made in step S18 or an affirmative determination is made in step S14, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, a WiFi printer search screen is displayed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a screen on which a list of communicable WiFi printers is displayed is displayed on the LCD 22b. Incidentally, since this screen is displayed by switching to the screen shown in FIG. 4A, another title “WiFi Printer” indicating that it is another screen is displayed in the title display area 34. Has been. On the other hand, when the user selects a specific WiFi printer area and performs an input operation, it is determined that the printer has been selected by the process shown in step S22 of FIG. 3, and the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the selected printer is set, and the screen returns to the previous screen as shown in FIG. In addition, the process of step S20-S24 comprises a device setting function in this embodiment, and the process which transfers to step S20 by making a negative determination in step S12 comprises a setting assistance function in this embodiment. . Moreover, the process of step S20 comprises a candidate display function in this embodiment.

  FIG. 4A illustrates a situation where the initial printer is not set. Therefore, a message indicating that the WiFi printer is not set is displayed in the selection support area 30 (unset display function). In contrast, in FIG. 4C, the set WiFi printer name (here, “WiFiP-2” is illustrated) is displayed (device display function).

  When the process of step S24 of FIG. 3 is completed or when an affirmative determination is made in the process of step 12, in step S26, when an affirmative determination is made in the process of step S10, specifically, It is determined whether or not WiFi has been set as a communication path for performing communication with the printer immediately before the WiFi radio button RA is selected. If a negative determination is made in step S26, the route for communicating with the printer is switched to WiFi in step S28. Note that when switching to WiFi, the fact that the communication path used for communication with the printer is WiFi is stored in the memory 16. Thus, after this, when communication with the printer is executed, communication is stopped, and a new operation for communication with the printer is performed, WiFi is set as a communication path with the printer as an initial setting. Will be set. Incidentally, the process of step S28 constitutes a route setting function in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 5 shows a situation in which a negative determination is made in step S26. That is, at first, as shown in the display of the radio button RA on the Bluetooth side in FIG. 5A, even if Bluetooth is set as the communication path, the WiFi printer is set (FIG. 5). 5 (b)) and WiFi (FIG. 5 (c)). Incidentally, when WiFi is set as the communication path from the beginning as in the example shown in FIG. 4, WiFi is continuously selected even after the WiFi printer is selected, and the switching process is not performed.

  When the process of step S28 is completed, when a negative determination is made at step S10, or when an affirmative determination is made at step S26, this series of processes is temporarily terminated.

  FIG. 6 shows a procedure of WiFi setting processing according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 14 repeatedly executing the communication support program stored in the memory 16 at a predetermined cycle, for example. The process shown in FIG. 6 is performed in parallel with the process shown in FIG.

  In this series of processes, first, in step S30, it is determined whether or not the printer selection area PA has been selected by an input operation by the user, such as the printer selection area PA of the selection support area 30 on the WiFi side being touched by the user. . If an affirmative determination is made in step S30, the same processes as those in steps S14 to S24 in FIG. 3 are performed in the processes in steps S32 to S42. When the process of step S42 is completed, the processes corresponding to steps S26 to S28 of FIG. 3 are performed in the processes of steps S46 to S48. In addition, the process of step S48 comprises a route setting function in this embodiment.

  Here, the situation in which a negative determination is made in step S46 is illustrated in FIG. That is, at first, as shown in the display of the radio button RA on the Bluetooth side in FIG. 7A, even when Bluetooth is set as the communication path, the WiFi printer is set (FIG. 7). 7 (b)), and is switched to WiFi (FIG. 7 (c)).

  FIG. 8 shows a procedure of Bluetooth communication support processing according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 14 repeatedly executing the communication support program stored in the memory 16 at a predetermined cycle, for example. The process shown in FIG. 8 is performed in parallel with the processes shown in FIGS.

  In this series of processing, first, in step S50, it is determined whether or not the radio button RA of the selection support area 32 on the Bluetooth side is selected. If an affirmative determination is made in step S50, it is determined in step S52 whether a Bluetooth printer that communicates with the mobile phone 10 has already been set. If a negative determination is made in step S52, it is determined in step S54 whether the communication function using Bluetooth is valid. If a negative determination is made in step S54, a Bluetooth setting screen is displayed on the LCD 22b in step S56. This situation is, for example, the situation illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9D. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the input operation is performed on the radio button RA on the Bluetooth side, when the Bluetooth is not connected, the Bluetooth setting screen in FIG. 9D is displayed, and the Bluetooth is used. You are prompted to enable the communication function. On the other hand, the user can validate the function of communication using Bluetooth by operating the touch panel 22a according to the guidance of the Bluetooth setting screen.

  When the Bluetooth setting screen is displayed, as shown in FIG. 8, the user performs an operation for enabling the communication function using Bluetooth, and waits until the communication function using Bluetooth is enabled ( Step S58). If the communication function using Bluetooth is enabled by the user's operation and an affirmative determination is made in step S58 or an affirmative determination is made in step S54, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, a Bluetooth printer search screen is displayed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, a screen on which a list of communicable Bluetooth printers is displayed is displayed on the LCD 22b. However, in the case of Bluetooth, since a paired printer stored by the OS is displayed, a printer that cannot actually communicate is also displayed. Note that it is desirable to provide a link to a screen for adding a new Bluetooth printer on this screen in preparation for setting a Bluetooth printer different from the listed Bluetooth printer as a communication destination.

  On the other hand, when the user selects a specific Bluetooth printer area and performs an input operation, it is determined that the printer has been selected by the process shown in step S62 of FIG. 9, and the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the selected printer is set, and the screen returns to the previous screen as shown in FIG. 9C.

  FIG. 9A illustrates a situation where no printer is initially set. Therefore, a message indicating that the Bluetooth printer is not set is displayed in the selection support area 32 (unset display function). On the other hand, in FIG. 9C, the set Bluetooth printer name (here, “BuP-1” is exemplified) is displayed (device display function).

  When the process of step S64 of FIG. 8 is completed or when an affirmative determination is made in step 52, in step S66, when an affirmative determination is made in the process of step S50, specifically, Immediately before the Bluetooth radio button RA is selected, it is determined whether Bluetooth has been set as a communication path for communication with the printer. If a negative determination is made in step S66, the route for communicating with the printer is switched to Bluetooth in step S68. Note that when switching to Bluetooth, the fact that the communication path used for communication with the printer is Bluetooth is stored in the memory 16. Thus, after this, when communication with the printer is executed, communication is stopped, and a new operation for communication with the printer is performed, as an initial setting, Bluetooth is set as the communication path with the printer. Will be set. Further, the processing in step S68 constitutes a route setting function in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows a situation in which a negative determination is made in step S66. That is, at first, even when WiFi is set as the communication path as can be seen from the display of the WiFi radio button RA in FIG. 10A, the Bluetooth printer is set (FIG. 10 ( b)), and is switched to Bluetooth (FIG. 10C). Incidentally, as in the example shown in FIG. 9, when Bluetooth is selected from the beginning, even after a Bluetooth printer is selected, Bluetooth is continuously selected, and the switching process is not performed.

  When the process of step S68 is completed, when a negative determination is made at step S50, or when an affirmative determination is made at step S66, this series of processes is temporarily terminated.

  FIG. 11 shows the procedure of the Bluetooth setting process according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 14 repeatedly executing the communication support program stored in the memory 16 at a predetermined cycle, for example. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 11 is performed in parallel with the processing shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6, and FIG.

  In this series of processing, first, in step S70, it is determined whether or not the printer selection area PA of the selection support area 32 on the Bluetooth side has been selected. If an affirmative determination is made in step S70, the same processing as in steps S54 to S64 in FIG. 8 is performed in the processing in steps S72 to S82. When the process of step S82 is completed, the processes corresponding to steps S66 to S68 of FIG. 8 are performed in the processes of steps S84 to S86. In addition, the process of step S86 comprises a route setting function in this embodiment.

  Here, the situation in which a negative determination is made in step S84 is illustrated in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, initially, even when WiFi is set as a communication path as indicated by the display of the radio button RA on the WiFi side, the Bluetooth printer is set. (FIG. 12 (b)), switching to Bluetooth (FIG. 12 (c)).

  According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) When an input operation to the radio button RA is performed, if a communication destination printer using a communication path (WiFi, Bluetooth) corresponding thereto is not set, a printer search that enables printer setting The screen is changed (FIG. 4B, FIG. 5B, FIG. 7B, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10B). Thereby, the input operation by the user can be simplified.

  (2) By configuring the user interface 22 so as to overlap the LCD 22b and the touch panel 22a, it is possible to display in an easy-to-understand manner to which user a desired operation can be performed. Further, there is an advantage that the same display position as the selection support areas 30 and 32 on the LCD 22b can be used as the display area of the printer on the printer search screen.

  (3) Each of the selection support areas 30 and 32 includes a printer selection area PA for selecting a printer type and a radio button RA for selecting a communication path. Thereby, the selection of the printer and the selection of the communication path can be easily performed.

  (4) When a printer is set on the printer search screen, even if the communication path corresponding to the printer has not been previously used as a communication path, this is switched to the communication path. Thereby, the input operation by the user can be simplified.

  (5) When a communication path for which the printer is not set is selected, if the communication function using the selected communication path is not valid, a screen for enabling it is displayed and enabled. Prompted and enabled, the printer search screen is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the input operation by the user while imposing a condition that the printer setting is performed in a state where the communication function is valid.

  (6) A path that is always set as a communication path used for communication with the printer and one that is not set as a communication path in response to an input operation to the printer selection area PA. Even so, I moved directly to the device search screen. Thereby, a user's input operation can be simplified.

  (7) The radio button RA is displayed differently depending on which of WiFi and Bluetooth is selected as the path used for communication with the printer. Thereby, it becomes easy for the user to grasp the set communication path.

  (8) The set printer name is displayed in the printer selection area PA (device display function). This makes it easy for the user to grasp the set printer.

  (9) When no printer is set, this is displayed in the printer selection area PA (unset display function). Thereby, when the printer is not set, it becomes easy for the user to grasp that fact.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 shows a procedure of WiFi communication support processing according to the present embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 14 repeatedly executing the communication support program stored in the memory 16 at a predetermined cycle, for example. In FIG. 13, the same step numbers are assigned for convenience to those corresponding to the processing shown in FIG.

  In this series of processing, first, in step S10a, it is determined whether or not the selection support area 30 on the WiFi side has been selected. If a positive determination is made in step S10a, the process proceeds to step S12. When an affirmative determination is made in step S12, it is determined in step S19 whether or not the radio button RA on the WiFi side is selected in step S10a. If an affirmative determination is made in step S19, the process proceeds to step S26, whereas if a negative determination is made in step S19, the process proceeds to step S14.

  Also by such processing, when the user operates the touch panel 22a, the same operability as the processing of FIGS. 3 and 6 can be realized.

  Note that the Bluetooth communication support process can be performed in the same manner as the process of FIG.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be easily guessed. Examples of modifications are listed below.

About the routing function
The route setting function is not limited to one that always sets one of the communication routes. For example, in the initial state, since there is no storage of the previous setting, no route may be set. In this case, for example, the display of the radio buttons RA of each communication path may be the same.

  Also, once a setting is made, this setting is not limited to that maintained unless it is stored and changed. For example, the set information may be deleted when the amount of stored energy in the mobile phone 10 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, it is not necessary to store the setting information in a memory (nonvolatile memory) that holds data regardless of whether or not power is supplied, such as a flash memory, so that the storage area of the nonvolatile memory can be reduced.

About the display area
For example, a circular region may be used instead of the rectangular region. In this case, for example, each semicircle may be a printer selection area (device selection area) and a radio button (communication selection area).

  In addition, the radio buttons on the side set as the communication path with the outside and the radio buttons not set are not limited to display differently, for example, the background color of the entire selection support areas 30 and 32 is different. It may be.

“About the first and second communication paths”
In each said embodiment, although Bluetooth and WiFi were illustrated, it is not restricted to this. Further, the communication paths displayed in parallel on the LCD 22b are not limited to two, and may be three or more.

About the selection support function
The selection support function is not limited to two communication paths that can be selected, and may be three or more, for example. At this time, all of them may be displayed in parallel on the display unit, and may not be selectable on the same screen. In particular, when the number of communication paths is large, it may be difficult to collectively display on a single screen when the size of the display area of the selection support area is larger than a predetermined value from the viewpoint of easy viewing. . In this case, the communication path may be displayed by discontinuous change (switching) of the display screen, but the display content is continuously changed by scrolling the screen by a flick operation of the touch panel 22a. It is desirable to be.

About the setting support function
The method of providing the setting support function with a function that enables the device setting by the device setting function on condition that the communication function is enabled is not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, in the process shown in FIG. 3, the process in steps S14 to S18 may be executed by making an affirmative determination in step S10, and then the process may proceed to step S12. However, the method itself is not essential. For example, in the process shown in FIG. 3, the processes in steps S14 to S18 may be executed after the process in step S26.

"User interface (input section and display section)"
The user interface is not limited to a configuration in which the touch panel 22a and the LCD 22b are stacked. For example, the display unit and the input unit may be formed in different regions in plan view. Even in this case, for example, when an input unit corresponding to the printer selection area PA and the radio button RA is provided and a printer of a corresponding communication path is not set when the radio button is operated, a printer search is performed on the display unit. Display the screen. At this time, the designation of the printer in the printer search screen may be executed by the input unit corresponding to the printer selection area PA and the radio button RA. For example, when the printer is set in this way, the communication path in which the printer is set may be automatically set as the path used for communication.

  Further, the device selection area and the communication selection area are not limited to being provided for each communication path. For example, it may have a common area for selecting a device regardless of a communication path and an area for communication selection. In this case, when an input operation to the communication selection area is performed, if the device of the communication path is not yet set, if the device selection of the communication path is enabled, the user input operation is simplified. be able to. Further, for example, each communication path may have only a separate device selection area. In this case, if a specific device is selected by an input operation to the device selection area, an input operation for setting a communication route can be avoided if a corresponding communication route is automatically set. This can simplify the user's input operation. When a device that has already been set is a communication destination, for example, a device that has already been selected on the screen shown in FIG. 4B may be selected (approved) again.

"About devices"
A device to be communicated with is not limited to a printer. In short, any device that communicates with a communication device may be used.

"About communication devices"
The multi-function mobile terminal as the communication device is not limited to the mobile phone 10 and may be, for example, a tablet terminal that does not have a telephone function.

"Communication support program"
Not only the application program but also all or part of the device setting function, the selection support function, the setting support function, and the path setting function may be installed in the OS itself.

"others"
All or part of the device setting function, the selection support function, the setting support function, and the path setting function may be configured by dedicated hardware means without performing software processing.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile phone (one embodiment of communication device), 14 ... CPU (one embodiment of control unit), 18 ... WiFi communication unit (one embodiment of communication unit), 20 ... Bluetooth communication unit (one embodiment of communication unit) Form), 22a ... touch panel (one embodiment of input unit), 22b ... LCD (one embodiment of display unit), S20, S38, S60, S78 ... one embodiment of device setting function, S12, S52 ... setting support function One embodiment, S28, S48, S68, S88 ... one embodiment of the route setting function.

Claims (12)

A first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path;
A second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path;
An input unit for receiving input from the user;
A display unit for displaying various information;
For a communication device comprising a control unit, in a communication support program executed by the control unit,
As a function to be executed by the control unit,
About the first communication path and the second communication path, a device setting function for setting a device that communicates using each communication path;
A selection support function for selecting one of the first communication path and the second communication path by an input via the input unit;
When the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device setting function is used for the first communication path. If the setting is not made, a setting support function that enables the device setting by the device setting function; and
When the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device setting function is used for the first communication path. A route setting function for setting the selected communication route as a route to be used for communication when the setting is made;
A communication support program characterized by comprising: The selection support function causes the display unit to display a selection support area including a device selection area and a communication selection area for each of the first communication path and the second communication path,
The setting support function is one of the device selection area and the communication selection area related to the first communication path among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function. When the device setting function is not set for the first communication path, the device setting function enables the device setting by the device setting function when the first communication path is not set. And
The path setting function is configured such that when the communication selection area related to the first communication path is selected from the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, The communication support program according to claim 1, wherein when the device is set by the device setting function with respect to a communication path, the first communication path is set as a path used for communication with the device.   In the route setting function, when a device that communicates using the first communication route is set by the device setting function, the second communication route is set as a route used for communication before the setting of the device. Even so, the communication support program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication path is set as a path used for communication. The selection support function causes the display unit to display a selection support area including a device selection area and a communication selection area for each of the first communication path and the second communication path,
The setting support function is configured such that when the communication selection area related to the first communication path is selected from the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the first support path is selected. When the device is not set by the device setting function with respect to the communication path, and the communication function using the first communication path is disabled, the communication function is enabled. The communication support program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device setting function enables setting of a device related to the first communication path. When the first communication path is selected from the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device is not set for the first communication path. In this case, the display unit has a candidate display function for displaying candidate devices for communication using the first communication path,
The device setting function sets a device that communicates using the first communication path from among the device candidates displayed on the display unit by the candidate display function. The communication support program according to any one of the above. A first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path;
A second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path;
An input unit for receiving input from the user;
A display unit for displaying various information;
For a communication device comprising a control unit, in a communication support program executed by the control unit,
As a function to be executed by the control unit,
About the first communication path and the second communication path, a device setting function for setting a device that communicates using each communication path;
A route setting function for setting one of the first communication route and the second communication route as a route used for communication;
For each of the first communication path and the second communication path, a selection support area including a device selection area and a communication selection area is displayed on the display unit so that one of the communication paths can be selected. Support functions,
Have
In the route setting function, when a device that communicates using the first communication route is set by the device setting function, the second communication route is set as a route used for communication before the setting of the device. Even so, the communication support program is characterized in that the first communication path is set as a path used for communication. When the device selection area is operated, the device setting function uses a communication path corresponding to the operated area regardless of whether the area relates to the path set by the path setting function. The communication support program according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 6 , wherein a communication device can be set. The selection support function sets which route by making the display different between the communication selection region corresponding to the route set by the route setting function and the communication selection region corresponding to the route not set. The communication support program according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6 , and 7 , wherein the information is visualized. Wherein the selection support function, wherein the device is set by the device setting function, claims 1-5, characterized in that it comprises a device display function of displaying to that effect on the display unit, 6 to 8 either 1 The communication support program according to the item. The selection support function, if the device by the device setting function is not set, one of claims 1, characterized in that it comprises a non-setting display function of displaying to that effect on the display unit 5, 6 to 9 The communication support program according to claim 1. A first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path;
A second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path;
An input unit for receiving input from the user;
A display unit for displaying various information;
In a communication device comprising a control unit,
The controller is
About the first communication path and the second communication path, a device setting function for setting a device that communicates using each communication path;
A selection support function for selecting one of the first communication path and the second communication path by an input via the input unit;
When the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device setting function is used for the first communication path. If the setting is not made, a setting support function that enables the device setting by the device setting function; and
When the first communication path is selected from among the first communication path and the second communication path that are selectable by the selection support function, the device setting function is used for the first communication path. A route setting function for setting the selected communication route as a route to be used for communication when the setting is made;
A communication apparatus comprising: A first communication unit that communicates with an external device using the first communication path;
A second communication unit that communicates with an external device using the second communication path;
An input unit for receiving input from the user;
A display unit for displaying various information;
In a communication device comprising a control unit,
The controller is
About the first communication path and the second communication path, a device setting function for setting a device that communicates using each communication path;
A route setting function for setting one of the first communication route and the second communication route as a route used for communication;
For each of the first communication path and the second communication path, a selection support area including a device selection area and a communication selection area is displayed on the display unit so that one of the communication paths can be selected. Support functions,
With
The route setting function is a case where when the device that communicates using the first communication route is set by the device setting function, the second communication route is set as a route used for communication before the setting of the device. Even if it exists, the said 1st communication path | route is set as a path | route used for communication, The communication apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

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